Ninety Mile Beach

Located on the Aupouri Peninsula at far northern tip of New Zealand is the famed Ninety Mile Beach. This myth needs to be cleared up immediately; guys, it's only 88 km, which amounts to a mere 55 miles. The Praia do Cassino in Brazil is a 150 mile stretch of beach; if length makes it or breaks it for you, then head there. For the rest of you, prepare yourself for some excellent left-hand surf breaks and a chance to drag your board to the top of a series of sand dunes that mirror the coast along its northern end.

Considered a state highway (although only 4-wheel drive vehicles should even attempt it), different parts of its length are valuable for different reasons. The southern end of the beach (Ahipara Bay, near the town of Kaitaia) is great for swimming, surfing, and digging for the edible tuatua clams. At the northern end, near Cape Reinga, massive sand dunes spread their bulk and beg you to sandboard their peaks and valleys. There is a day long bus trip that follows the beach from south to north with some excellent tour-guided insights into the area's history, but we suggest renting a 4X4 or other off-road vehicle and a board so that you can do this incredible area justice at your own pace.